KFC will switch to Coca-Cola beverages at its U.S. restaurants after decades of serving Pepsi products. The KFC Coca-Cola partnership will begin rolling out in January 2027, marking a major change for the fried chicken chain.
Coca-Cola products should reach all participating KFC restaurants nationwide by spring 2027. The companies have not yet announced the complete beverage lineup.
KFC Coca-Cola Partnership Begins in 2027
The agreement marks the first nationwide partnership between KFC and Coca-Cola in the United States. KFC currently serves drinks supplied by PepsiCo at its American restaurants.
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC U.S., said the company is excited to unite two established brands. Coca-Cola executives also said the partnership could improve restaurant visits and create new opportunities for both companies.
The transition will start in January and continue over several months. Therefore, product availability may vary by restaurant during the rollout. Coca-Cola beverages are expected across the chain by spring 2027, according to the announcement reported by Reuters.
A Beverage Relationship That Spans Decades
KFC’s connection with Pepsi dates to the 1980s. PepsiCo acquired Kentucky Fried Chicken from RJR Nabisco in October 1986 for about $840 million.
PepsiCo later separated its restaurant division in 1997. KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell became part of Tricon Global Restaurants, which later changed its name to Yum! Brands. PepsiCo confirms that history in its shareholder information.
Although the restaurant brands became independent, KFC continued offering Pepsi beverages in the United States. The new agreement will end that long-running relationship.
KFC has not said which current PepsiCo drinks will receive direct replacements. That includes Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning, a peach-and-honey drink created exclusively for KFC in 2019. Its future was not addressed in the announcement.
Drinks Become a Bigger Part of KFC’s Strategy
The Coca-Cola deal arrives as KFC works to strengthen its U.S. business. The company has recently focused on restaurant upgrades, menu innovation and expanded beverage choices.
In September, KFC opened an experimental restaurant called Open House in McKinney, Texas. The location serves iced coffee, boba refreshers, shakes and other specialty drinks. It also offers breakfast, later operating hours and an expanded selection of sauces and sides.
KFC developed the location as a testing ground for ideas that could reach more restaurants. Beverage choices have become increasingly important as fast-food chains compete for younger customers and additional visits outside traditional meal periods.
However, KFC has not connected the Open House specialty menu directly to the Coca-Cola agreement. The chain also has not confirmed whether every Coca-Cola-owned brand will become available nationwide.
What Customers Can Expect
KFC customers should expect a gradual change rather than an immediate nationwide switch. Restaurants will likely replace beverage equipment and supplies as the rollout moves forward.
The agreement applies to U.S. KFC restaurants. It does not automatically affect Taco Bell, Pizza Hut or international KFC locations, which may operate under separate beverage agreements.
For diners across the country, the most visible change will begin in early 2027. Local restaurants will provide the clearest information about availability as KFC completes the transition.